Agra: Police investigators have unearthed an alleged fake call-centre operation in the Tajganj area that is accused of duping more than 2,500 job seekers across 15 states of a combined sum exceeding ₹2 crore, officials said on Monday.
Alleged racket based in rented flat near Tajganj
According to police, the illegal operation was run from a rented flat in RK Puram under the Basai police outpost area of Tajganj. The gang is alleged to have run the scam for nearly two years, posting employment advertisements on social media platforms Facebook and Instagram offering monthly salaries between ₹20,000 and ₹30,000 for posts such as security guards and supervisors.
When interested applicants contacted the numbers listed in the advertisements, callers at the centre reportedly engaged them in what was presented as an authentic recruitment process and persuaded them to make payments for registration, document verification and other purported recruitment formalities.
Arrests, alleged modus operandi and payments
Police said four people have been arrested in connection with the case, including the alleged mastermind and two women who were employed at the call centre. The two women were reportedly paid about ₹9,000 per month and received additional incentives for every successful money transfer they facilitated.
- Venue: Rented flat in RK Puram (Basai police outpost), Tajganj, Agra.
- Victims: More than 2,500 job seekers from 15 states.
- Alleged loss: Over ₹2 crore.
- Recruitment lure: Social media adverts promising salaries of ₹20,000–₹30,000 per month.
Investigators said the accused obtained contact details of potential candidates through Facebook and Instagram. Call-centre employees reportedly collected applicants' personal information and then sought money either through direct bank transfers or QR-code payments. After receiving the payments, the accused allegedly continued to promise employment but failed to provide jobs or refund the sums.
Probe and evidentiary examination
Police and investigators are examining payment records to establish how many transactions were routed through the accounts and QR codes linked to the centre. The inquiry aims to trace the flow of funds and identify any additional accomplices or bank accounts used by the gang.
| Item | Reported figure |
|---|---|
| Number of victims | 2,500+ |
| States affected | 15 |
| Alleged amount taken | ₹2 crore+ |
| Arrests | 4 |
Police said the two women working at the centre explained the recruitment process to prospective candidates and persuaded them to transfer money. Officials added that the women were given incentives for each successful transfer, indicating a structured incentive system within the operation.
"Investigators are examining the payment trail to determine how many transactions were facilitated through these accounts and QR codes," police said.
Local authorities have not released the identities of the arrested persons pending further investigation. Police statements said the probe will determine the extent of the network and whether the operation had links beyond Agra.
Local impact and cautions
The case highlights the vulnerability of job seekers who rely on social media for employment opportunities, particularly in the aftermath of economic disruptions. Police officials urged citizens to verify recruitment agencies and be wary of any job offer that requires upfront payment for registration or verification.
Investigators said victims should register complaints with the local police and provide bank statements or transaction details to assist the inquiry. The probe is ongoing and further arrests are not ruled out as evidence is analysed.
This development comes amid increasing scrutiny of online recruitment frauds nationally, where criminals exploit digital platforms to present convincing but fraudulent job offers. The local police have said they are following established protocols to trace the flow of funds and bring the perpetrators to account.
